State Supports Housing Development in Boston Square and Downtown Saline

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced two redevelopment projects receiving state support under the bipartisan Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program, creating new opportunities for housing and commercial space in Grand Rapids and Saline.

The Grand Rapids project will add 45 critical housing units and community space in the Boston Square neighborhood, while two parcels in Downtown Saline will be revitalized into four residential units with commercial and green space. Together, the projects will generate a total capital investment of over $33 million in the state while activating vacant properties and increasing community vibrancy.

"Our population is growing, and we've been ranked a top state for opportunity and doing business," said Governor Whitmer. "Programs like RAP help us build on this progress, attract and retain talented workers, lower costs, build housing, and enrich our communities. Let's keep working together to get things done for our state."

Boston Square Project Details

In the City of Grand Rapids, approximately 1.3 acres in the Boston Square neighborhood will be redeveloped into a four-story, mixed-use building. The project will create 45 new apartments along with 9,410 square feet of commercial space and 9,048 square feet of public space.

The project is part of the Boston Square Together Project, a neighbor-informed, comprehensive redevelopment of 10 acres in the neighborhood that aims to increase housing, commercial space for entrepreneurs, and community amenities. The project will be supported by a $1.3 million RAP grant to assist with costs associated with construction costs and site conditions, bringing a total anticipated capital investment of $25,537,050.

The City of Grand Rapids is supporting this phase of the project with a $400,000 HOME grant.

BSQ Together, a development entity of Brinshore Development, LLC, is leading the project. Brinshore is a private firm specializing in the development of affordable and mixed-income housing, founded in 1994. The company is one of the nation's largest and most successful housing development firms in the affordable housing market.

Amplify GR and F3 Project

Amplify GR, which invests in securing economic pathways for residents of designated neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, is also involved in the F3 project. The organization utilizes a holistic approach to community partnership and revitalization modeled after Purpose Built Communities, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

"The F3 project reflects the kind of catalytic" work that Amplify GR does to bring real opportunities to residents participating in and benefiting from neighborhood growth.

MEDC Support

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is proud to support the growth and resilience of communities like Grand Rapids and Saline as part of the state's 'Make It in Michigan' economic development strategy.

"These projects will add critical housing and residential amenities, contributing to the vibrancy and economic activity in their communities," said the MEDC's SVP of Community Planning and Development Readiness Michele Wildman.

The RAP program provides access to gap financing for place-based infrastructure development and real estate rehabilitation and development, helping to activate vacant properties and increase community vibrancy across the state.